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The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells – Book 15

I have to start out by saying I was sorely mistaken as to what I thought this book (“The Invisible Man” by H. G. Wells) was about! Honestly, I thought it was more something like the adventures of an invisible man, light and humorous. Was I ever wrong!

Maybe I should have gotten the hint that it wasn’t some happy-go-lucky story from the following:

“. . . invisibility is good for one thing. . . creating terror. An invisible man can kill people. . .” – from the back cover of my edition

Unfortunately in this case, I normally stay away from reading a synopsis for fear that the summary will give something away.

“The Invisible Man” by H. G. Wells is a classic book published in 1899, so while it fulfills the requirement of a classic book from the 19th century for my Classics Challenge, besides that, I wasn’t impressed.

“The Invisible Man” is a story about a man, Griffin, who is invisible and angry with the world. He realizes that if he wears clothing or eats, his clothing and food are seen. If he moves, he’s heard. So basically, an invisible man is good for causing terror and abuse. Thus, Griffin proceeds to cause terror and harm to the people in the story.

I greatly disliked the invisible man, Griffin. He’s an evil character, but not even a villain you enjoy, like the Joker in Batman. He’s just ruthless, unfeeling, angry, selfish, and really rude to people.

I recommend this book to people who want to read the classics, but I didn’t enjoy it myself. It’s a quick read, I just wasn’t a fan.

I’d prefer to recommend “The Island of Dr. Moreau” by H. G. Wells if you are looking for a short classic by the same author. And although I disliked this book, I still have on my list, and will read another one of his books, “The Time Machine.”

What are your thoughts on “The Invisible Man” and H. G. Wells as an author?

12 thoughts on “The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells – Book 15”

I am a big fan of Wells and have read most of his early novels. Surprisingly many of these books are dark. As you alluded to Griffin is a really vile character. I actually thought that his viciousness added to the story.

I agree about “The Island of Dr. Moreau” it was a great book. I really liked “The Time Machine” but found it to be very dark and depressing.

Man, I just read it couple months ago and… I wasn’t enjoying it either. Even if I really wanted to enjoy it, I just can’t. Maybe it’s because the rudeness (like what you said) in Griffin but I think it’s also because the story wasn’t flowing well in my head. It’s just the man, who invisible and mean and… what. It’s great that you recommending The Island of Dr. Moreau. I think I’ll read it someday. 🙂 Thank you, Rebecca.

I read this on New Year’s Eve actually. It was such a fast read, and I actually thought it was pretty enjoyable. I went in knowing nothing about it, really. I hadn’t expected it to be so dark but thought it was an interesting look at turning moments, the moments that change us.

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (often confused with this one) is one of my favorite books though, so I always have to plug it. 🙂

I haven’t read the Ralph Ellison one yet, but I have only heard great things. I just didn’t realize this Wells Invisible Man would be soooo violent and dark. I mean, I like those things for sure, but I think it surprised me because I just expected a nice story about a man who was invisible. I expected more fairy tale than murderer 😛